Former AGF Mohammed Adoke
A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), has expressed his preference to be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre to the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
His lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), spoke on his behalf shortly after he was arraigned on fresh money laundering charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.
Adoke was arraigned alongside Aliyu Abubakar, who was accused of paying dollar equivalent of N300m in Adoke’s account in September 2013 in violation of the Money Laundering Act.
Ozekhome was arguing his client’s bail application when he noted that his client was produced in court by the EFCC from the Federal Medical Centre near Jabi, Abuja, where he had been admitted for treatment.
After the defendants took their pleas, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Bala Sanga urged the court to remand them in the custody of the EFCC pending when their bail applications would be heard and determined.
The defense lawyers immediately noted that they already filed their bail applications and had been responded to by the prosecution.
While arguing his bail application, Ozekhome, who urged the court to grant bail to the former AGF in liberal and affordable terms and conditions, said his client would prefer to be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre, instead of the custody of the EFCC.
According to him, “The first defendant voluntarily returned to the country. There is his statement attached to show that he returned to the country voluntarily.